Sung Yohan offered a different interpretation.
“Baekya has been trying to control those related to the Gate of Reversed Heaven all along. They persistently approached Kang Yeongwon, who is Kang Yeongeum’s younger sibling.”
Sung Yohan clenched his fist tightly.
“They’re targeting Kang Yeongwon this time too. But since Mr. Moon Igyeol is in the way, they filed a report to tie him up with the Association, and in the meantime, they’re planning to approach Yeongwon.”
Sung Yohan’s deduction was reasonable. In fact, those bastards had been coveting Kang Yeongwon’s inheritance. Sung Yohan frowned and continued.
“But it’s a bit strange. Going this far to make an approach. Is there really a need to approach Kang Yeongwon while even eliminating a civilian… well, a Hunter, but still, Mr. Moon Igyeol? What important inheritance does Kang Yeongwon have that’s worth this much? There’s only money. It’s not like there are other relics.”
“Right.”
“Gi Taeyeon. Has Baekya contacted you separately?”
“They do contact me periodically. But since I’m affiliated with UNP, it seems they can’t touch me easily. Or maybe they’re testing the waters.”
Sung Yohan closed his mouth as if thinking about something. Igyeol said nothing. He pressed his lips tightly and lowered his gaze. If that’s really the case… if they’re trying to eliminate me because I’m just an ‘obstructive guardian,’ then that’s rather fortunate. It’s fortunate if my identity hasn’t been revealed. But…
Igyeol’s eyes narrowed. Somehow he felt uneasy. Igyeol broke the silence and spoke.
“……Then, how about, can I go back home for today? My head is a bit dizzy.”
At those words, Sung Yohan narrowed his brow and said.
“I know the 48 hours are almost up. But Mr. Igyeol suffered from extreme fever due to contamination aftereffects (Rebound) until late last night. Through my Holy Power, he went through a purification process all night and has only just now stabilized. As of now, with my authority as an SS-rank Exorcist, I diagnose ‘an additional 48 hours of absolute rest.’ If you put your hand on the machine right now, either the machine will explode or the person will explode because of the residual Demonic Energy. I’ll come back in 48 hours. At that time, I’ll cooperate with everything.”
The investigator glanced between Gi Taeyeon and Sung Yohan before finally sighing and nodding.
“Understood. However, you’re prohibited from leaving your residence. If contact is lost, an arrest warrant will be issued immediately.”
The steps leaving the investigation room were heavy. Gi Taeyeon, who came out to the hallway together, lightly tapped the shoulder of Sung Yohan following behind.
“Hey, be careful. If Baekya is moving, this matter won’t be resolved easily. It’s the ‘Baekya’ of the ‘Gate of Reversed Heaven,’ after all.”
“……I know.”
“Mr. Moon Igyeol, you be careful too. You stepped in shit, seriously.”
“…Thank you for your concern.”
“How did you know I was concerned? I’m kind, right?”
“…You seem like a good person.”
“Wow, is that flirting? Is this a green light?”
“Don’t overdo it.”
When Gi Taeyeon grinned and tried to step closer to Igyeol, Sung Yohan pushed Gi Taeyeon’s shoulder away with a stern face. Gi Taeyeon pouted and glared at Sung Yohan. What a knight in shining armor! Igyeol chuckled.
“See you later. Separately.”
“You must really like me. I’m an easy person, so call me.”
Gi Taeyeon winked at Igyeol, stuck his tongue out at Sung Yohan, and disappeared whistling. The sparkling blue earring moved away. Igyeol stared at Gi Taeyeon’s back for quite a while before turning around.
After leaving the building and getting into Sung Yohan’s car, Sung Yohan, who had been silent until then, belatedly spoke up.
“…Is that style originally your type?”
“What?”
At the bewildered sound, Igyeol looked at Sung Yohan. Sung Yohan, his face completely frowning, was looking at Igyeol crookedly. What nonsensical thing is this now? He was about to just ignore it, but Sung Yohan tried to firmly grab Igyeol’s arm as if demanding an answer. Igyeol flinched and slapped away the back of Sung Yohan’s hand.
“Where do you think you’re—!”
“Why are you hitting me?”
“Treatment isn’t free.”
“That’s not what I’m asking about right now.”
Sung Yohan said slowly in a slightly irritated voice. Igyeol answered roughly.
“Isn’t it good if we don’t touch?”
“Right now—”
“I said no!”
“That’s not what I’m asking!”
“Ah, what is it, what!”
“Do you like Gi Taeyeon’s style better?”
For a moment, Igyeol was left speechless and turned to look at Sung Yohan. Sung Yohan was staring straight at Igyeol. The car started with a vroom.
“……Is that important right now?”
“It’s important.”
“Stop talking nonsense and watch the road.”
“Please answer me.”
“You’re speaking with a weird nuance again.”
“I need it. An answer.”
“This is really—”
Igyeol looked at Sung Yohan with an incredulous face, then suddenly felt the silence and glanced forward. Only then did he realize that two Sanctum Guild members were sitting in the passenger seat and driver’s seat. For a moment, his eyes met with the guild member in the passenger seat through the rearview mirror. Igyeol awkwardly raised the corners of his mouth in a smile and nodded his head in greeting.
‘Fuck.’
My image just went down the drain. What the hell am I doing? Igyeol let out a sigh.
“Please answer me.”
“……Shut up and watch the road.”
“Why should I watch the road when I’m not even driving?”
Sung Yohan stubbornly stared at Igyeol intently. He had even turned his whole body around as if he would only look at Igyeol until they arrived. His gaze was so persistent that it would have been more comfortable to have a staring contest with a dungeon boss. Igyeol let out a bitter laugh in disbelief.
“Hey, I’m asking if that’s important right now. You said Baekya moved. You said Yeongwon might be in danger, but you want to ask about something trivial like my taste?”
“It’s important.”
Sung Yohan was firm.
“Just as much as grasping the enemy’s information, it’s also important to understand the psychological state of allies. Especially the look you gave that playboy Gi Taeyeon… was very irritating.”
“Irritating? Why would you be?”
“……Well, aren’t we going to be working together anyway? It’s for management purposes.”
Although he said it was for management purposes, there was a clear twist in his intonation. Igyeol pressed his forehead. He’s clearly mistaking my surprise at seeing Gi Taeyeon’s earring as interest or favorability. If he cleared up the misunderstanding, he’d have to dig up the past, and if he didn’t clear it up, this tiresome interrogation would likely continue.
“Ha… Fine, I’ll tell you. I’ll tell you.”
Igyeol resignedly turned his gaze toward the window and tossed out.
“It’s not particularly my type.”
“What kind of style isn’t your type?”
“Gi Taeyeon… I’m saying that style like Investigator-nim isn’t my type.”
Sung Yohan’s eyebrows rose slightly.
“Specifically, what points?”
“It’s too flashy. Hanging things all over his ears, hair sparkling. I really hate that kind of thing. It hurts my eyes.”
“……”
“I like simple things. Neat and clean. Satisfied?”
He just, whether decorated or not, didn’t need anything. Igyeol’s answer was sincere. The interest he showed in Gi Taeyeon was because of the earring, not because of his appearance. He had no interest in flashy adornments originally, and in fact, Igyeol didn’t have any particular taste. Now that he had passed through the Gate of Reversed Heaven, he was even more worn and faded, so he just needed comfort. Quiet, calm, and comfortable things. That was Igyeol’s taste.
Sung Yohan’s reaction to hearing that answer was peculiar. He was silent for a moment, then casually checked his own appearance through the rearview mirror. His shirt collar without a speck of dust, his neatly tied necktie, his black hair neatly swept back. Not a single flashy accessory—a truly ‘simple and neat’ appearance.
“……I see.”
The corners of Sung Yohan’s mouth rose slightly, very slightly.
“That’s fortunate. Your eyes aren’t rotten, at least.”
“What are you saying?”
“You have good taste. Flashy things get old quickly. Classic is the best.”
Sung Yohan once again obediently turned his gaze toward the window. At the temperature that had calmed down, Igyeol was dumbfounded again. This bastard, going back and forth—why is he like this?
